As Mt. Baldy trails reopen, county sheriff slams feds' 'lack of concern' for visitor safety

"Trails on Mt. Baldy reopened after the deaths of three hikers who fell from an ice-slicked ridge last month in what investigators believed to be two unrelated incidents. That doesn't mean conditions are safe, warned the agency responsible for handling rescues there: Snow, ice, limited visibility and the potential for sudden storms persist."

"Twenty-three people have died on the mountain outside Los Angeles over the last decade, and crews have responded to 345 search-and-rescue calls on its slopes, the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department said in a news release that criticized the U.S. Forest Service, which manages the area, for not doing more to prevent injuries and deaths."

"The frequency of rescues our department is involved in annually, and the lack of concern for what's happening on Mt. Baldy by those who are responsible for maintaining visitor's safety needs to be addressed,"

"For the last several years, our department has been trying to have the U.S. Forest Service more involved in keeping people safe while they recreate on Mt Baldy."

Mt. Baldy trails reopened after three hikers fell from an ice-slicked ridge, but hazardous conditions persist, including snow, ice, limited visibility and sudden storms. Over the past decade, 23 people have died on the mountain and crews have handled 345 search-and-rescue calls. The San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department criticized the U.S. Forest Service for insufficient action to prevent injuries and deaths and urged more involvement in visitor safety. The sheriff has sought meetings with the agency and Congress and recommended temporary closures and a permitting system to track and educate hikers. The Forest Service is evaluating options.

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